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April 13, 2005

Science Committee Democrats Work to Expand Green Chemistry Legislation

(Washington, DC) The U.S. House Science Committee today considered H.R. 1215, Green Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2005.  The practice of "green chemistry" aims to examine the products and processes that will eliminate hazardous materials in the workplace while increasing efficiency and product quality.  This bill previously passed the House in the 108th Congress.

"We all support the goal of encouraging more efficient manufacturing of safer products," stated Ranking Member Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN).  "We owe it to our country’s manufacturers and workers to make sure that no stone is left unturned in the search for safer workplace practices and products."

"The bill before us today is good, but it could be better," added Rep. Gordon.  "Though it does contain vital resources for colleges and universities to update curricula and training in green chemistry, it does not do enough to propel research from labs to the factory floor.  Practical green chemistry applications make good economic sense and good environmental sense - without them, what good is the research?"

Science Committee Democrats offered several amendments aimed at expanding the impact of the underlying legislation.

An amendment offered by Rep. David Wu (D-OR) was incorporated into the legislation.  "Very few chemists and chemical engineers are exposed to green chemistry in their undergraduate and graduate studies," said Rep. Wu.  "This lack of training becomes a barrier to the adoption and the use of safer industrial products or processes.  My proposal will increase educational and training opportunities and ultimately will help in reducing hazardous waste."

Four other Democratic amendments were withdrawn on the assurance that they would be addressed either in conference committee or when the bill is considered by the U.S. Senate.  "Democrats understand that helping communities combat terrorism, reduce the risk of plant explosions and create a market for environmentally friendly chemical products would have been constructive additions to green chemistry legislation," concluded Rep. Gordon.  "We look forward to working with our colleagues in the Senate to incorporate some of the measures that did not make it into the bill today."

Amendments offered by Science Committee Democrats:

  • Rep. Gordon - An amendment requiring the EPA to report on the status of the implementation of Executive Order 13101 - Greening the Government Through Waste Prevention, Recycling and Federal Acquisition.  The amendment was withdrawn.
  • Rep. Wu - An amendment to require educational institutions to form partnerships with chemical companies in an effort to ensure curricula is tailored to current needs and practices of the industry.  The amendment was accepted.
  • Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) - An amendment authorizing EPA to work with the Department of Homeland Security to develop a list of priority chemicals which, for security reasons, need green chemistry alternatives researched and developed.  This amendment was withdrawn.
  • Rep. Jackson Lee - An amendment to establish a grant program to provide local groups with support for technical assistance in working with area chemical plants to reduce risks to the community.  This amendment was withdrawn.
  • Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) - An amendment requiring the Administrator of EPA to develop criteria that manufacturers could use to evaluate their products’ environmental attributes as compared to other similar products.  The manufacturer could then use a label: "EPA Certified Environmentally Preferable Product" to market its product.  The program would be voluntary.  This amendment was withdrawn.

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